This case shows the results of a direct build up of some very damaged teeth two years after it was completed. The case shows the benefit of direct build ups as they can give an excellent aesthetic and functional result with no drilling of sound tooth tissue. The case was completed in one visit and did not involve any injections or impressions. The patient is delighted with the result but these photos also show that direct composites are by no means perfect and the “warts and all” view of some pitting to the lower incisor fillings and stain to the upper canine show the limitations of this technique as well. Fortunately for us dentists are results are not viewed under this level of close up scrutiny every day so, as the smile shot shows, our results can be clinically acceptable even if they are showing slight flaws under higher magnification. I favour this approach when ever possible because it leaves the patient with all of their remaining sound tooth tissue, and on this occasion created much needed space between the teeth so that if I did need to resort to full coverage crowns I could do them in a much less invasive way.
In case like these I subscribe to a “dynamic lifetime therapy” approach that means I will be expecting to repair minor flaws and polish imperfections every couple of years and I do not view this as failure, just as my car has not failed if it needs to go for a service. The key points are that the patient is happy with their smile and their teeth are protected from further damage. As ever if you think that the case you have seen is similar to a problem that you are suffering with please do not hesitate to call the surgery on 01580 752202.
